From Tom
Grace and peace...
This will be my last journal entry of our journey of learning and discerning. I have the mixed emotions of sadness and excitement. I am very much looking forward to getting home to see my family and my OSLC family but there is a sadness in leaving this fascinating land. Very quickly you find yourself caring deeply for the plight of so many men, women, and children. Of course, like anywhere, the children steal your heart.
Yesterday we visited the Apartheid Museum in Jo-Berg which was intense, powerful, and another journey of learning. When one experiences the evil system of apartheid, one also sees through the lens of our own country's struggle with treatment of Native Americans and civil rights. Clearly, while rationale for oppressing others is often given a religious twist, Jesus' prophetic voice calls us to work for justice on behalf of all people. I feel a renewed commitment to lead us in being that voice...in
our words and in our actions.
This has been an intense and grueling experience with very little time for reflection. So, I look forward to further defining my experience in hopes that what is shared is meaningful and communicate where I saw the hand of God in the hearts and lives of God's children in Africa.
Blessings, Peace, Hope and Joy! Pastor Tom
This will be my last journal entry of our journey of learning and discerning. I have the mixed emotions of sadness and excitement. I am very much looking forward to getting home to see my family and my OSLC family but there is a sadness in leaving this fascinating land. Very quickly you find yourself caring deeply for the plight of so many men, women, and children. Of course, like anywhere, the children steal your heart.
Yesterday we visited the Apartheid Museum in Jo-Berg which was intense, powerful, and another journey of learning. When one experiences the evil system of apartheid, one also sees through the lens of our own country's struggle with treatment of Native Americans and civil rights. Clearly, while rationale for oppressing others is often given a religious twist, Jesus' prophetic voice calls us to work for justice on behalf of all people. I feel a renewed commitment to lead us in being that voice...in
our words and in our actions.
This has been an intense and grueling experience with very little time for reflection. So, I look forward to further defining my experience in hopes that what is shared is meaningful and communicate where I saw the hand of God in the hearts and lives of God's children in Africa.
Blessings, Peace, Hope and Joy! Pastor Tom
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